Days numbered for Durham's New England Center

DURHAM — It's a few days before the New England Center closes, and it's business as usual.

By AARON SANBORN

DURHAM — It's a few days before the New England Center closes, and it's business as usual.

There are still mouths to feed and guests to tend to at the hotel and conference center.

A smaller, but dedicated staff continues to do the jobs they've done for years.

"This is an extremely difficult time for the staff — many of whom don't have jobs yet," said Jane Gombar, the facility's general manager. "These are staff members who committed to stay with me until the very end."

After more than 40 years in business, the facility will cease to be a hotel and conference center on Wednesday.

Gombar said the staff at the facility has dwindled from 150 people to 80 since the announcement of the closure last year. She said the toughest part of winding down is saying goodbye to the people she has worked with for years.

"People here were proud of their work, they like working here and what they did," she said. "It's rare to look forward to coming to work every day and to come to work with a smile. Even now, a majority are searching desperately for work, but they're still smiling and trying to work."

There's a large and loyal group of staff members who have worked at the facility for more than 20 years, according to Gombar, herself included, with 36 years of service. Gombar started as a maid and worked her way up through the years.

She said that was common at the New England Center, as employees were commonly promoted from within.

In her time at the facility, Gombar sometimes had a front seat to history.

Among those who stayed at the 115-room hotel were politicians Ted Kennedy, Mike Dukakis, John Kerry, Pat Buchanan and Ralph Nader and journalists Peter Jennings, Charlie Gibson and Ted Koppel.

The hotel also saw its share of entertainers in its time, including The Kinks, Chicago, Alanis Morissette and Billy Idol — who "played his guitar in the bar," according to Gombar.

"It's a special place to work," she said.

Six years ago, 25-year-old Joe Schena came to the University of New Hampshire as a student and started to work at the New England Center as a way to pay for college. With no prior restaurant experience, Schena quickly found his place in the kitchen and currently helps in managing it.

Schena said while he hasn't worked at the New England Center as long as others have, he's going to miss it and thinks it will be difficult to find another job like it.

"It's a job. You try to keep that mindset, but on the other hand it's a big family that works here," he said. "I know everybody here, and that's the sad part. In one way this place is a facility, but there's a lot of relationships and friendships here."

Schena, who graduated from UNH in 2007 with a degree in communications, plans on taking July off and will begin job hunting in August. He is optimistic.

"It's kind of daunting," he said. "But I'm not scared ... I think I'll be OK."

Both Schena and Gombar say they have received numerous letters of support from the university community, many expressing sadness over the facility closing. Some faculty members have expressed concern the facility's closure will make it difficult for the university to attract conferences.

Following the last day of work on Wednesday, the remaining staff will be presented with a book about the New England Center's history. The book will feature pictures of staff throughout the years and stories about the facility.

"It's something tangible for people to hold on to," Schena said.

University officials have said a combination of factors led to the decision to close the facility, including the downturn in the economy and the fact there are no available funds for necessary capital repairs and upgrades.

At least $17 million in new capital investment would be needed to bring the hotel and conference center up to industry standards, university officials said. Increased competition from other hotel and conference facilities in the Seacoast also was cited as a factor contributing to the closure.

William Pereira, who designed the Transamerica Pyramid in San Francisco, also designed the New England Center. The facility has been used for numerous conferences, weddings and reunions.

The structure of the building will remain, and the university plans turning one of the hotel's towers into a dorm, while the main building will be turned into offices for multiple UNH departments.

Never miss a story

Choose the plan that's right for you.
Digital access or digital and print delivery.